Hey, thanks for doing the AMA! I had the chance to visit Saudi Arabia a couple of years ago and met some wonderful people, many of whom shared your desire for equality. It seemed at the time there were several positive indications for improved women's rights: the right to vote and run for municipal office, increasing female enrollment in higher education (IIRC, one of the co-ed colleges we visited was over 50% female), and increased political pressure to change driving laws. Are these changes still occurring and if so, do you think they're part of a larger movement for full inclusion?
Also, one thing I heard a lot was that while people were ready for change, they were also hesitant to change so quickly that it would cause a political backlash from conservative elements in the country. This was probably heightened due to the beginning of the Arab Spring and uprising in Bahrain, but it seemed to me to be a genuine concern. Is this the general opinion nationally? If so, do most people feel the king is doing a good job balancing the two camps while moving toward greater equality?
Thanks again for doing this AMA! If you're ever in the States, let me know; I'd love to return the kindness your country showed me.
toouglyforretail60 karma
Hey, thanks for doing the AMA! I had the chance to visit Saudi Arabia a couple of years ago and met some wonderful people, many of whom shared your desire for equality. It seemed at the time there were several positive indications for improved women's rights: the right to vote and run for municipal office, increasing female enrollment in higher education (IIRC, one of the co-ed colleges we visited was over 50% female), and increased political pressure to change driving laws. Are these changes still occurring and if so, do you think they're part of a larger movement for full inclusion?
Also, one thing I heard a lot was that while people were ready for change, they were also hesitant to change so quickly that it would cause a political backlash from conservative elements in the country. This was probably heightened due to the beginning of the Arab Spring and uprising in Bahrain, but it seemed to me to be a genuine concern. Is this the general opinion nationally? If so, do most people feel the king is doing a good job balancing the two camps while moving toward greater equality?
Thanks again for doing this AMA! If you're ever in the States, let me know; I'd love to return the kindness your country showed me.
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